Practical discussion on contemporary life challenges from an ancient perspective.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

ABUNDANT LIFE IN CHRIST: His Reigning Position

For the fifth and final time, Paul uses the expression “much more” in Romans, chapter five. In verses 20-21, he writes, “Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The key word is EXALTED—that is, we are reigning with Him. We hear the word, “reign” used here, and the Apostle has used the term previously in this chapter. For the believer to experience the abundant life, means that he or she, understands Christ’s exalted position and our position in Him.

Today, Satan is a usurper—he has taken that which is not his. God placed Adam and Eve in the garden and gave them dominion over it. They were to be stewards of God’s creation. But, when they disobeyed God, they stepped aside from that and Satan took over. Now, he works frantically, because his time is short. He knows that he is beaten and so he seeks to tear down all he can and drag down as many to hell as he can. We see the devastating effects of his “scorched earth” policy everywhere.

But, here’s the good news! Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. God’s grace will ultimately triumph. The dominion Adam forfeited due to disobedience, will be reclaimed in Christ through His obedience on the cross. One day, He will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Just remember that there is nothing over our head that is under His feet—and that’s everything!

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About Me

I am a mountaineer by birth--a native of Asheville, NC. For a period of ten years I lived in the Charlotte area and for the last eighteen, I have been "home." I was brought up in a Christian family. In fact, I went to church nine months before I was born! Despite the best efforts of parents and preachers, I went astray. The Prodigal Son story that Jesus told in Luke 15 became my story--a sordid life of drugs and booze and that's enough for you to know. But at the age of eighteen all I had been taught came flooding back into my mind when I saw the mess I was in. Christ changed me. I gave my life to Him and as a result have spent the last three decades preaching the Gospel. I'm not all I ought to be and certainly not what I one day shall be, but thankfully, not what I used to be! God has blessed me with a great wife, five wonderful children and so far, twelve grandchildren. To Him be the glory and praise, now and forever.